Putin, Russia, and the Eastern Ukraine

Vladimir Putin and the Russians claim their interest in Crimea is to protect the Russian-speaking people of that area.

It is to be expected that soon Putin will claim to show an interest in protecting the Russian speakers in the Eastern Ukraine.  (Note: All Russian-speakers do not feel an affinity with Russia, as many younger people identify more with Ukraine.)

Instead of a confrontation in the Eastern Ukraine, Russia should welcome any alternative means for protecting their language-brethren.  Such an alternative would be to have the United Nations put an armed force in those areas that have Russian-speakers who culturally identify with Russia.

The UN force would relieve Russia of worrying about their language-brethren.  Perhaps Russia would be willing to pay for the force.  Even if the Russians will not pay for the force, it would be worthwhile to the world so as to de-escalate the situation.